Then we will carry them away in a boat and hide them where the boy cannot find them, with all his magic.

We will use the King and Queen of Pingaree as hostages, and send word to the boy wizard that if he does not go away from our islands and allow us to rule them undisturbed, in our own way, we will put his father and mother to death.

Also we will say that as long as we are let alone his parents will be safe, although still safely hidden.

I believe, Gos, that in this way we can compel Prince Ingato obey us, for he seems very fond of his parents." "It isn't a bad idea," said Gos, reflectively; "but where can we hide the King and Queen, so that the boy cannot find them ?" "In the country of the Nome King, on the mainland away at the south," she replied.

"The nomes are our friends, and they possess magic powers that will enable them to protect the prisoners from discovery.